Buxton, NC Water Safety: 67/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Buxton, water safety data for NC reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Buxton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Buxton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 40% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.87 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Buxton
Structurally, Buxton, NC's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buxton, North Carolina (population ~1,451), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 7,586 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Buxton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buxton: C (67/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Buxton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Buxton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27920 | C | Dare Company-cape Hatteras Water | 5,486 |
All ZIP Codes in Buxton
- 27920 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Buxton
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Buxton
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The story of Buxton's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1997 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Buxton were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Buxton Homeowners
Given current Buxton valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Buxton are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 63% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Buxton
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 40% of the Buxton inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Buxton
Flood risk in Buxton reaches a level where its interaction with water quality becomes a concrete planning concern rather than an abstract possibility. NFIP data records 1526 claims, and 100% of the area's ZIP codes are within FEMA-designated flood zones. At this exposure level, the mechanisms connecting major flood events to water quality disruption — treatment overload, well contamination, distribution backflow — have likely been activated repeatedly over the multi-decade NFIP tracking window.
Buxton has a significant flood history with 1,526 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $13,146 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Buxton
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 40% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Buxton, NC